Where do people like me work?

Jules A, MSN · Apr 28, 2010

I am so frustrated on my current med-surg unit. I am meticuluous, follow hospital policy, do what's right for the pt b/c I am supposed to, and have been told by admin I am a "very prudent nurse" and "always safe." For example, I had a pt who I thought needed continous pulse ox until meds were out of system, and wanted to accompany the pt to MRI to be safe, another nurse was going to watch my other 2 pts (unusually light load - 5-6 is norm), and my charge wouldn't let me leave the floor. I just wanted to be safe for the pt. I always label/date IV/tubing/dressings, change/rotate sites per policy, turns, et al...like I'm supposed to. I really don't find it hard to do the right thing. This is not the norm for my unit. What kind of nursing do people like me fit into? I'm thinking maybe ICU (SICU/CCU) or Chemo?
Thanks!

While I commend you for crossing your t's and dotting your i's I think a personal RN escort to MRI unless in a total crisis, in which case they probaby would be stabilized before shoved in the tube, is not only over kill but also short-changing your other patients. Are you a new nurse? ICU might give you more individualized time with fewer patients if that is what you are seeking. Good luck.

AggieNurse99, BSN, RN · Apr 28, 2010

My original post does sound kind of arrogant -Sorry!- I truely didn't mean it that way. I had a good reason to go with that pt, it ended up RRT in hallway. Maybe I am overdoing things, but I just want a culture where I fit in, being me.

Jules A, MSN · Apr 28, 2010

My original post does sound kind of arrogant -Sorry!- I truely didn't mean it that way. I had a good reason to go with that pt, it ended up RRT in hallway. Maybe I am overdoing things, but I just want a culture where I fit in, being me.

No worries and I totally didn't take it as arrogant just perhaps a bit over cautious. :)

steelcityrn, RN · Apr 28, 2010

HOMECARE! Thats a good place for you. Organized and conscietious. You work there stands alone!

Katie5 · Apr 28, 2010

Please stay in your current place. You see all these qualities. Good, but give yourself a bit more time so that when you do change, it won't be because, "No one notices my qualities." but rather because your gut tells you it's time to move..

Otessa, BSN, RN · Apr 28, 2010

You sound like me. I have been a trauma ICU, Cardiovascular ICU, and Cardiac ICU nurse-you would be a treasure. The MDs in those areas are extremely nitpicky about their patients (that's a good thing!) they expect staff to be the same.

otessa

Ivanna_Nurse, BSN, RN · Apr 28, 2010

I agree with ICU!!! You get to be as anal, meticulous, and cautious as you want! :) Those are rocking qualities to have and much needed in the unit. :) Ivanna

txsummerRN · Apr 29, 2010

Pediatric ICU is a great choice too! We are definitely Type A, overly cautious, follow-every-rule people, and people that aren't that way make us crazy! =)

nrsang97, BSN, RN · Apr 29, 2010

ICU would be a great place for you.

Zookeeper3 · Apr 29, 2010

You are an ICU nurse! You simply now need the classes and training. All those qualities that can slow you down way too much on a floor, are those that intervene and help prevent complications from happening. An OCD type A personality is the going rate with my crazy group of peers! Give it a look see:D

AggieNurse99, BSN, RN · Apr 30, 2010

Thanks all! ICU I shall go towards...I'll try for Dec/Jan internships. Now on to self study of Acid-Base issues.